The Importance Learning the Language

The Importance Learning the Language

I’m guilty of zoning out when I don’t understand what’s being said.

I’m sure you’re guilty of it too.

You’ve likely sat through a class you were interested in, only to become so lost in the verbiage being used that it sounds as if the teacher was speaking another language.

I remember a conversation with my spiritual mentor, early into us meeting each other. We were talking about astrology, something I was eager to learn about, but was still a novice in. When she asked me which planet was in my 11th house in my birth chart, I was completely confused. My WHAT chart? Was that something my mom needed to get from the hospital? I have a planet in a house? Do WHAT?

I had no idea what she was talking about, so the entire conversation made me feel so lost. She was starting big on the spiritual scope, while I was still trying to grasp the overall concept. I knew that if I wanted to dive back into a conversation with her about astrology, I first needed to learn the language.

By “learning the language,” I mean the common terms and phrases that are used to discuss that subject.

Likewise, when teaching the language, you need to “dumb it down.” I don’t mean this as if the person you are talking to is dumb, but if you know more on the subject than they do, you need to teach the basics and break down the terms/phrases associated to that subject.

When studying “the language”, remember to be a student. This may mean you need to take initiative and do independent research to further advance your understanding. Research, connect, apply.

We all have a starting point in every area of life; be mindful that others may not be on your level yet.

Teach, inspire, learn, and grow. We’re all in this together!

Cheers to your growth,
Lauren

Success Advice from Entrepreneurs

Success Advice from Entrepreneurs

I’ve always been intrigued by the minds of entrepreneurs. It takes a lot of guts, perseverance, skill, and a shit ton of failure (lessons) to be an entrepreneur. I’ve often wondered what makes other entrepreneurs tick? What’s their biggest driving force or their internal inspiration? What makes them different from “everyone else?”

Let’s face it, those questions are way too deep for a blog post.

But this next question, ooooohhhh this question, it reveals a different type of depth. It’s the root of the phrase, “shoulda, coulda, woulda” for some. For others, this question brings out a sense of hope and optimism, that they maybe once lacked.

I tapped into my network and asked over 60 people from 3 different continents, 5 different countries, and 29 different states to answer this one question:

If you could give your younger self ONE piece of advice, what would it be?

And with all transparency, honesty, and for some- no filter… they answered.

Here are my top 10 favorite answers:

Step into your power and recognize your own personal strength, beauty, and self-worth. Do this and nothing can stop you.    -Sophie Jaffe, The Philosophie

Don’t let other peoples perceptions, ideas, suggestions, or comments, effect what you truly want to do with your life… Remember – “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”     -Nate Buchan, World Nate

 Do not quit. Whatever you do, do not quit. You will face hardship. I’m not going to lie to you. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be fair. But you survive. Oh boy, do you survive. And it gets better. But you can’t give up. You can’t quit. You must carry on, and choose growth and freedom.     –Kara Whaley, Business Strategist

Don’t doubt yourself   -Norma Jean Belenky, Norma Jean Loves

It’s okay that you don’t know where you want to be in the next 5-10 years. Everything will change, whether you like it or not. You most likely will lose some or even most of your “friends” and keep a few. Life is what you make it.    – Nicole Allard, Cobat Virtual

Your wildest ideas, could change the world. Do not fear failure, only fear inaction. Life is too short to wonder “what if?” Some people will understand your vision immediately, and others will never understand. You must show them. Above all, show yourself. You WILL fail, and you must accept that- but never accept failure for anything less than learning.   -Jesse Alton, Alton Tech 

Think big because anything is possible! The only restrictions in life are the ones I put on myself.    –Kristen Nolan, Metabolism & Fitness Coach

Focus on what is truly important in life. No one lays on their deathbed and wishes they had worked more. Give your employer 100%, but don’t sacrifice the rest of your life for it. Love hose who will love you back.   -Paul Critchley, New England Lean Consulting

Get the hell out of your own way otherwise you’ll spend entirely too much time making excuses for why you can’t do things instead of finding a way to make it happen.           Stephanie Patterson, SR Photo Studio

Seek INTEGRITY with anything you do. By integrity, I’m referring to improving your behavior patterns when no one else is watching. All political, economical and religious influences aside, the only justification you need for your current actions is whether the outcome will be one step forward or two steps backward from your personal and/or professional goals. This will allow you to remain humble and objective, devote 100 percent of your undivided attention towards work/life priorities, and view obstacles as opportunities when they arise. Eric Burratty, Eric Burratty Fitness

And if I ever had to give myself one piece of advice it would be “Don’t lead with your head or your heart, trust the gut. Your intuition won’t misguide you.”

What would you tell your younger self? Share them with me in the comments below!

Need more positivity in your life? Check out my book, “Mind Love: Bite-Sized Thought Nuggets to Fuel Your Life” for inspiration!

To Your Success,

Lauren

 

What to Do When the Odds Seem Stacked Against You

What to Do When the Odds Seem Stacked Against You

There are some affiliate links below, but they are all products I highly recommend. For more info, view my disclosure here.

Ever feel like the odds are stacked against you?

Life has a tendency to throw us curve balls at the worst possible time. Whether it’s financial despair, trouble in your relationship or job, or even a failure that you feel you’ll never rebound from – feeling as if the odds are stacked against you is often a common feeling.

Before I moved to Florida, I thought everything was aligned and it’d be smooth sailing. After realizing I priced my services too low and I’d need 100 clients to even pay my rent, it was a bit too late. I had already used all of my savings, had no real money coming in, and couldn’t afford groceries (let alone gas to go get groceries). I felt like the Universe was punishing me for stepping out of my comfort zone and moving 900 miles away from my family.

Was the Universe really punishing me? Well, no. It was teaching me lessons in business and in life. While they were tough as hell, I needed them to get me to this point.

If things aren’t going your way and you feel lost searching for answers, remind yourself:

Nothing is permanent. That’s the good and the bad, all wrapped into one statement. Phases of life are temporary and we always have the power to change our course with one action. For me, that action was getting a 9-5 job to supplement income while I re-figured my business. That also allowed me to later quit that job and return to my business full time.

Your Setbacks Do Not Define You. You can’t have a comeback without a setback, right? Setbacks and failures are the best foundation for growth. Your failure/setback is not a life sentence, but just a part of life.

I Am Not a Victim. Internal questions like, “why did this happen to me?” will never really give you an answer. A better question may be, “how can I make this situation better?” Be mindful not to fall trap to the victim mentality.

The odds are stacked against us in numerous ways on a daily basis. The best way to overcome an odd, is to simply take action. Keep in mind that it’s usually not a one-time thing; this action may need to be part of your daily routine and/or you may need to be strategic about it.

Conquering the odds requires purpose, meaning, and intention. It’s okay to succumb to failures, but it’s even better to bounce back with resilience.

Need a book to help you through the tough times? Consider my book, “Mind Love: Bite-Sized Thought Nuggets to Fuel Your Life.”

With Love,
L.